Phearong

Phearong is a “Rising Star” supported by Wedu who dreams of completing her degree and working towards social change in her community. This is her story:

I am 20 years old and was born in a rural area in Kampong Cham, Cambodia. I am the youngest child in my family and also the only one who had the opportunity to study in university. Growing up, I never even dreamed about having this opportunity, as my family is poor. Since I was young, I dreamed of working in a nice office and being able to speak to the public to solve the problems in our situation, but I thought it could only happen in the movies.

Currently, I am studying my Bachelor’s degree at Royal University of Law and Economics with a major in International Relations. I did not know this major before I chose it, but afterwards, I learned I am very skilled at and passionate about global relations. During this time, the most important thing that also brought me much closer to this dream is Wedu. I got to know Wedu about 2 years ago, and with the financial support and strong relationship with my wonderful mentor, I was able to make a new life for myself. I now feel my life is very important to this world. I have a chance to study at university and I have a chance to work on my personal development with the support of my mentor. Wedu provided these things so that I could put my life on a path to becoming a positive change-maker in my community.

My dream is big, which is to become a high-ranking official in the Cambodian political system, but for now, I think I am better suited to join an NGO, INGO, or IGO. But wherever I work, I am passionate about making a positive change in my community, as well as my country. With the many unforgettable experiences of being a young lady from a rural area who moved to the city, studied with privileged students, lived alone in a new place, met both bad people and nice people, understood the different standards of living, and so on, I am very confident in my ability to complete my Bachelor’s degree in order to achieve my dream. In the end, I want to help people in my community as much as I can and take my own unforgettable experiences to help build wonderful lives for the next generation of rural Cambodians.

Note from Wedu: Phearong is expected to graduate in June 2016 and will begin making repayments as soon as she has secured gainful employment.